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Gulf Correctional Institution reports rising inmate counts, potential to restore county work squads; county and DOC discuss running sewer to work camp
Summary
Gulf Correctional Institution Warden updated commissioners that inmate numbers and staffing have improved enough to restore some work crews; commissioners and staff discussed running sewer to a nearby work camp as a longer‑term step to reopen additional crews.
Mark Pavas Ward, warden at Gulf Correctional Institution, reported to the commission on Aug. 26 that inmate population and staff recruitment are improving and that the facility could soon provide additional inmate work squads to the county. Ward said the annex population and available squads are tied to staffing levels and that an improved applicant flow has allowed the facility to restore some crews that had been reduced after Hurricane Michael.
Commissioners thanked Ward and urged continued coordination. One commissioner asked the county to assist if the Department of Corrections needed support to attract and retain staff, and commissioners said county lobbying efforts seek pay increases for corrections staff as part of the county's legislative platform.
Warden Ward and commissioners also discussed a longer-term option: running sewer to the work camp to enable the facility to open more beds safely when staffing is sufficient. County commissioners said the sewer connection would remove infrastructure as an impediment to expanding crews and asked staff to continue discussions with the DOC and state partners. Warden Ward said the sewer solution is years out but a useful long-term option; he also offered to answer further operational questions and thanked the board for advocacy on staffing and pay.
